Cold-Weather Equine Ear Protection?

Q: Do horses living outside need their ears protected during cold weather?

A: It's a good question and depends on how severe the weather is, but horse ears are definitely prone to frostbite. However, if the horse has a well-defined mane, that does provide them with protection over the ears. If the weather is wet, windy, and severely cold and shelter isn't available, that does put horses at a higher risk for frostbite. I would say, when in doubt, a hood with ear protectors is a good idea.

About the Author

Casey Gruber, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at Moore Equine Veterinary Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he specializes in podiatry and emergency and sport horse care. He’s a graduate of Colorado State University.

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